Hassane Kamara is pleased with his progress in yellow since joining in January from OGC Nice, playing a vital role from full-back both in defence and attack.
The Ivorian has featured in every match under Hornets manager Roy Hodgson, bringing with him a new-found solidity which has culminated in three clean sheets in the previous six games.
After keeping an important shut-out against Manchester United last weekend, Kamara believes this defensive structure can give Watford a platform to build on in attacking areas of the pitch going into the rest of the campaign.
“I think we can stay in the Premier League; it’s close between 14th and 20th,” said Kamara, 27.
“We will try to attack because, now we are better defensively, we have to try to go more offensive and we will have a chance to win any game.
“If we win our games we will stay in the Premier League, we just have to focus on our matches. It will be difficult, but we will focus on the teams ahead of us. We have to play like we did against Aston Villa.”
The Ivorian has learnt a lot under Hodgson and explained that the boss has had a huge influence on the squad, not just defensively, but in the shape and structure of the team.
“When he came, we had 10 days without a game and during those days we worked defensively,” Kamara continued.
“Even after that time we continue to work defensively, but the training isn’t just for the defenders, it is for the whole team. After that we are more confident because everyone knows what he wants from us.”
Born in France and of Ivorian descent, Kamara rose through the ranks at Châteauroux before achieving promotion to Ligue 1 at Stade de Reims – the French first division.
The 27-year-old would move to Nice and enjoy a successful stint by the French Riviera, but admits he always had an eye on the Premier League and England.
“[Playing in the Premier League] is a dream come true,” he replied. “When I played in France, in my head I thought that if I don’t play in the Premier League in my career, something is wrong. Every time I think about that and I play in the Premier League, I am very satisfied.
“The football is very different here from in France. Here it is more intense, it is very difficult and all the time from the first minute to the last everyone is running. It is very difficult, but I like that.”
The left-back has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates and has settled in quickly to his new surroundings in Hertfordshire.
Kamara trusts the talent in the Hornets’ squad, particularly players like Emmanuel Dennis and Ismaïla Sarr, who have thoroughly impressed the Ivorian in a short space of time.
“In my life, it is good - I have found a house quickly and now I have my routine, but here it is cold!” he joked.
“I can bring my energy because I am so energetic. I can also give happiness and positivity – I try to give the team that.
“In the team, we have [Emmanuel] Dennis who is a very good player. When he scored [against Aston Villa] it’s great for him and the team.
“Alongside him, the comeback of Ismaïla Sarr is important because he is a fast player. We have more chances created with him and with Joshua [King] – he is a really good player, a strong player. With him the team is more confident. We also have other players like Cucho [Hernández]. Every time he comes on the pitch, he does good things. João Pedro is another one.
“Offensively we are very good. When I came the players told me that defensively we need to improve, but now defensively we are better, we have to try and change to score a lot of goals.”
Alongside his fellow teammates, Kamara has endeared himself to the Watford supporters with his performances.
The full-back explained how important the fans are to the Hornets’ ambitions, especially for this Sunday's match at Vicarage Road against Arsenal (March 6, 2pm KO).
He said: “The connection with the supporters is good. The fans are the club. The club is the players and the fans. In this position, we need the fans because we need them to push the team. For me, it is normal to speak with them.
“It is very important to win at home because you are with your fans, we know the pitch and we know the atmosphere. It is easier to win the game and very important for the club, the fans and all the players.”
